The Constellation of Chanel

Something otherworldly entered the stratosphere, by way of a certain Coco Chanel back in 1932. And for a very short time (and for a fortunate few) it can be observed in a transformed Chanel galaxy not far from the MoMA from October 9th – 16th. What is it you ask? It is the extraordinary 1932 Tribute Collection of high-jewelry, celebrating 80 years of Chanel history and commitment to the fine jewelry craft as an art form. Ms. Chanel’s first collection debuted during the depression on November 7, 1932 titled “Bijoux de Diamants” with the intent “to cover women in constellations.” And she does so still today with 80 exceptional pieces that dazzle in diamonds and platinum, bold and pearls, rock crystal and sapphires – it is a bespoke universe of beauty in small pocket of New York City. For those who did not receive their private invitation, you can get starry-eyed by way of those lovely folks at Gotham Magazine.

I Love CHANEL

Some days all you need is love. Other days you need inspiration. Here’s to Erwin Blumenfeld and thank you Sølve Sundsbø and Chanel.

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A Mary Kompetition

Last spring, something curiously wonderful occurred at the offices of Mary Katrantzou: people began to send in illustrations of her Autumn Winter 2012 collection. One by one, the team began to share the works of art on the Mary Katrantzou Facebook page… and the artworks kept rolling in. In early June, the clever minds of Katrantzou seized the social engagement opportunity and an inspired illustration competition was officially conceived. What would be the prize? Scoring a much coveted seat at the Mary Katrantzou Spring Summer 2013 show in September. This serendipitous contest has now come to an end and the lucky (and talented) winner will be announced on September 1st. Meantime, above is a small curation of the stunning creativity in the running. Below is the BeautifulCurious pick for “Best in Show”, but we wish every artist the best of luck and of course applaud the social media brilliance here.

All of the entries can be seen here

The Horse Is Out Of The Bag

High luxury is serious business and it is easy to understand why such brands rigorously guard their secrets. Yet there is one among this set who boldly gives theirs away: Hermés. Okay, not really, but this most revered brand so humbly invites us to partake in their very special blend of pretend through an animated video on the Hermés YouTube Channel. It is a peek at what secrets will conclusively be revealed on the Hermés website where an interactive cut away of various workshops and departments at 24 Faubourg awaits discovery. The most wonderful part about the experience is that the whimsical charm does not compromise the prestige of Hermés luxury whatsoever. In fact, it is all the more endearing that such pure unadulterated values of inspiration, curiosity and creativity are so venerated…. perhaps the secret is revealed after all.

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Chanel Does Haute Sport

Not all sports are created equal, however leave it to Chanel to elevate the humble as well as the glamourous to luxury status. Even a few less-than-intellectual sports get the white (and black) glove treatment. Be advised that a little advanced notice might be necessary for that next foray to the stream, the sea, the slopes, or on the back of a steed, as it seems many items are only available as a special order. Contact Karl at www.chanel.com

David and Dom

Recent news out of Paris regarding growth for LVMH and PPR (even in the Chinese, Japanese and US markets) is certainly worth celebrating, in part due to the very liquid celebrations are made of. The wines and spirits division of LVMH is up 15% for the first half of the year and their very own Dom Pérignon has yet another reason to toast: a sparkling collaboration with David Lynch. It is ‘a little magic theatre’ in the form of a limited-edition bottle design and ad campaign titled “The Power of Creation” for Dom Pérignon 2003 and the Rosé 2000. The designs are ‘a process of tuning in and then through experimentation getting something that expresses the essential nature.’

Discover synergies of “mystery, intensity, commitment, time, the constant reinvention of the self, and above all, absolute faith in the power of creation:”

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The limited-edition bottles will come available at the end of the year… cheers to David and Dom!

http://www.domperignon.com

Guccio, Guccio, Wherefore Art Thou Guccio?

With the imminent start of the Olympic Games, all eyes are on London. And one curious set (mine) has been looking for a certain development what could make a grand brand story for the house of Gucci.

A few months ago Gucci purchased a very handsome stallion and renamed him Guccio. Since then, he has been stabled among Gucci muse Edwina Alexander’s other well-bred steeds and considered a possible mount for the Olympics. Another development is the upcoming launch of Gucci’s new Equestrian Collection which will appear in Gucci boutiques worldwide and on www.gucci.com in November. The collection includes 15 ready-to-wear styles and accessories, as well as equestrian equipment including a riding boot, saddle, helmet, whip, gloves, and horse blanket. With these two happenings combined, it is not difficult to imagine the dashing Guccio with Edwina on his back, both looking so smart in their resplendent Gucci gear as they glide over their jumps towards gold on the word’s greatest athletic stage. Yet, there is no word of Guccio. Perhaps it is a fanciful brand fairytale that can never be, but one dares to dream.

Good luck Edwina!

It’s All About The Journey

Remember last March when Marc Jacobs presented the Louis Vuitton 2012 Fall collection from that gorgeous, steaming locomotive? That same train, christened the Louis Vuitton Express, has just journeyed from Paris to Shanghai over the last 11 days to mark the 20th anniversary of Louis Vuitton in China in a campaign called “The Meaning of Travel”. Photographer and director Todd Selby (yes, The Selby) documented experiences and encounters through photographs, video, drawings and paintings along the journey from Paris, which included stops through Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia, Mongolia and finally China.

For the campaign, Louis Vuitton joined with Jiepang (the Chinese version of Foursquare), inviting users to check in at any Louis Vuitton store in China and share a written post about what travel means to them on Jiepang or Sina Wiebo. Participants on Jiepang earn a virtual Louis Vuitton Express badge and 10 users will be selected to receive a copy of the book “Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks”. What is the incentive for any luxury brand to engage in social media platforms (Chinese or Otherwise)? Tech savvy twenty-somethings everywhere view luxury as an inclusive experience, whereas baby boomers perceive luxury as an exclusive badge. Particular to China, the spending potential of young, middle-class is growing… for the moment. And until they can afford their Louis Vuitton handbag, they can attain their branded “virtual badge”.

The journey culminates with a live fashion show, beginning promptly at 1.30pm GMT or 8.30am EST which can be viewed at http://www.louisvuittonexpress.com where beautiful and curious things surely await. Until then, below are highlights along the way in video journal form:

Day 1

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Day 3

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Day 4

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Day 6

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Day 9

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Inspired Packing

In 1854, Louis Vuitton began taking the world on a journey with his flat-bottom, light weight and airtight trunks and LV continues to this day to innovate, enamor and inspire. Case in point: the recent introduction of The Art of Packing web app on http://www.louisvuitton.com. It’s not just a wonderfully clever interactive tool to feature the virtues of the Alzer, Pégase and Keepall suitcases (and cross promote accessories and wardrobe), but also an animated “how to” guide of pragmatic, efficient packing, complete with interactive tips to optimize space, avoid wrinkles, and preserve the form of garments. The journey continues to brilliant and engaging at Louis Vuitton… and it may even bring about civilized packing. Bon voyage!

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Introducing Curious Luxuries

With this post begins a weekly feature on BeautifulCurious called “Curious Luxury”. Curious Luxuries will be a curation of unexpected, creative, clever, or innovative luxuries. Without further ado, here is Curious Luxury No. 1:

Download, print, color, cut, fold, glue…  In a few words, attaining a Kelly or Jigé handbag has never been so simple. A few clicks of traveling the world of Hermès online at www.hermes.com will take you to this delightful collection of do-it-yourself paper handbags. These are just a few of the creative and inspiring surprises awaiting discovery. Enjoy a few BeautifulCurious favorites…

Download Paper Jigé

Download Paper Kelly